CHAPTER XX.

Prosperity of Soho--Relaxed strain upon Boulton and Watt--Watt’s pleasure tours--His interview with the king at Windsor--Matthew Robinson Boulton, and James Watt, jun., join their fathers in the business--Their character and attainments--Boulton and young Watt--Young Boulton’s return from Paris--The French revolution--The Birmingham riots--Priestley’s house destroyed--Unpopularity of the “Philosophers”--Young Watt and the Jacobins--Watt’s flight from Paris--Denounced by Burke--Mr. Watt’s fear for his son’s safety--The sons join their fathers in partnership--Important services of the young partners--Evasion of engine-dues, resistance of the Cornish mining companies--Legal proceedings and favourable judgments--Progress of the engine business--William Murdock--His valuable services--His engine improvements--Return to Soho--Invents gas-lighting--Winsor’s wonderful schemes--Murdock’s various inventions--Substitute for isinglass, his idea of power wasted in streets, atmospheric railway, &c.--His death 400–433